Following the decision of the Drivers’ World Championship in favor of the Dutch driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull for the second consecutive year, Formula 1 moves forward with this weekend’s United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. There is anticipation in the air even as some observers feel pressure, because the records are under threat and the constructors’ crown remains to be decided.
With Verstappen’s title secured at the Japanese Grand Prix, the focus shifts to the remaining races. The team now eyes the challenge ahead, treating the finale stretch as a critical, but not insurmountable, chapter in the season’s saga. The Dutch champion heads to the nineteenth round with a clear goal: keep the momentum and help Red Bull clinch the builders’ championship as swiftly as possible.
In Japan Verstappen extended his points lead, moving from a modest advantage to a commanding position. He carries a substantial gap over the nearest rival and faces three more races after the United States event to consolidate or adjust the balance of power. Should he depart Austin with a comfortable buffer, the title would be secured in the Americans’ home race, potentially marking Verstappen’s latest milestone since his 2013 triumph with a Renault engine, a memory that many fans still discuss with a mix of awe and expectation.
To prevent such an outcome, Ferrari would need a flawless performance. A 19-point improvement over Red Bull on race day would be essential, and even achieving a double podium without the fastest lap could shift the constructors’ balance, depending on how Verstappen and Sergio Pérez place. The result of this race could ripple through the standings, potentially reducing the constructors’ points gap if the top finishers split valuable points in other teams as well.
Ferrari should not be underestimated, though. The second position in the standings remains within reach, and Mercedes trails with a sizable but not insurmountable gap. The battle for fourth between Alpine and McLaren remains tense, with Fernando Alonso’s squad holding a slim lead of a few points. The fight for positions behind the leaders adds drama to a weekend that could reshape several teams’ trajectories for next season.
Back in the United States, Pérez will be aiming to bolster his drive for a high finish. He remains in strong contention for second place in the drivers’ standings, just ahead of Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, and a handful of other challengers including George Russell of Mercedes and Carlos Sainz of Ferrari. Hamilton, the veteran seven-time champion, is still mathematically in the mix, though his current gap is larger than what many would expect for a title run right now. The season has not yielded a victory for Hamilton yet, and the narrative around a possible late surge adds intrigue to the closing rounds.
As the season arcs toward its end, Verstappen continues to chase records with relentless intensity. He already has a remarkable tally of wins this season and a pace that keeps him well ahead of the pack. The battle in Austin has the potential to add another chapter to his extensive list of achievements, especially if his performance on track pushes him toward even more historic marks.
Verstappen’s consistency has been one of the defining stories of the campaign. He has produced multiple victories across circuits and remains in a position to threaten the single-season win records set by greats of the sport. The Circuit of the Americas, known for its demanding layout, will test his abilities once again as he seeks to extend his dominance and set new benchmarks for the series.
One particularly notable target is the accumulation of points across the season. The race at Austin presents a chance to widen his margin over rivals and further shape the championship narrative, while also challenging rivals to close the gap. The upcoming event will feature a mix of strategic depth and on-track speed that has become hallmarks of Verstappen’s campaign this year.
The weekend’s schedule at the Circuit of the Americas starts with practice sessions on Friday, with the usual two sessions opening the weekend’s on-track action. In addition to the main race, a notable debut will highlight the event: Álex Palou, the 2021 IndyCar champion, will participate in Formula 1 for the first time in an official capacity, following prior testing experiences. The involvement of Palou is part of a broader trend of crossovers and driver opportunities that keep the sport dynamic and forward-looking. A handful of additional drivers will also participate in various capacities during the weekend, including emerging talents and more experienced competitors from other teams.
If weather remains favorable, the second free session could extend the testing window for the 2023 tire prototypes, allowing Pirelli to refine compounds ahead of the season’s definitive choices. The official tire selections for a dry, sunny Austin weekend are C2 for hard, C3 for medium, and C4 for soft, providing teams with the range they need to balance grip and durability across the track’s varied sectors.
Over the course of the weekend, drivers will aim to complete a set number of laps on the 5.513-kilometer Austin circuit, a track known for its technical sections and diverse demands. The race itself is a centerpiece of the American portion of the calendar and offers a challenging, high-energy environment for teams and fans alike. The circuit’s distinctive sectors demand precise car setup and strategic race execution, making it a litmus test for performance as the season nears its conclusion. This event, like others on the calendar, contributes to a broader story about competition, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of speed that defines Formula 1 in the modern era.